O'Brian fans who would like some help with some of the Naval terms and lore (including "privateer") might be interested in a book titled "A Sea of Words: a Lexicon and Companion for Patrick O'Brian's Seafaring Tales," by Dean King with John B. Hattendorf and J. Worth Estes.   The 2nd edition was published in 1997, so it doesn't cover the last couple of books, but really is a great reference. I just happen to have a library copy here -- but I think I'm gonna have to buy my own.

Dean King has also written a reference titled, "Harbours and High Seas: An Atlas and Geographical Guide to the Aubrey-Maturin Novels of Patrick O'Brian," which gives helpful maps showing the voyages chronicled in the novels. Look for it at the library.

As for the movie, I'm looking forward to it, if only to see how they've dealt with the story and characters. The trailers certainly seem to feature a lot of action, if nothing else. I know a couple of purists who refuse to see it because it doesn't follow the stories exactly. Their loss, methinks.

Cheers, Nancy

P.S. Love the song and the CD, Jed!